Pakistan has posted a sharp improvement in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index 2026, with gains in connectivity and digital inclusion underscoring the country’s progress in expanding its information and communication technology infrastructure.
According to the latest ITU data today, Pakistan’s ICT Development Index score rose to 67.7 in 2026 from 56.4 a year earlier, marking a 20% relative increase. The country also recorded a 22.8-point improvement in the connectivity pillar, achieved a Meaningful Connectivity score of 79, and advanced 27 places in its derived global ranking.
The ICT Development Index, revised under a new methodology introduced in 2023, evaluates countries based on two core components: Universal Connectivity, which measures the availability of digital infrastructure and network access, and Meaningful Connectivity, which assesses the reliability, affordability, inclusiveness, device ownership, and data usage associated with digital services.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the improvement reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of building a digitally empowered Pakistan and demonstrated the government’s continued focus on strengthening the IT and telecommunications sectors.
She said stronger ICT indicators were closely linked to improvements in education, employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship, business activity, and digital public services, particularly benefiting the country’s youth and expanding digital workforce.
The minister said the government remained committed to extending reliable and affordable internet connectivity, enhancing service quality, promoting digital inclusion, and encouraging investment in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
She added that Pakistan’s improved performance in the index sent a positive signal to investors, technology companies, and development partners, as the country continued to strengthen its digital ecosystem and advance towards a more inclusive digital economy.
The latest ranking represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to expand digital access, improve technological readiness, and support long-term economic growth driven by innovation and information technology.